#TopStory for Xmas : Kicking out Santa of Holyday Park...

A Burleson man who closely resembles Santa Claus with his long white beard was asked to leave Six Flags Over Texas over the weekend.

Jerry Henderson said he was celebrating his granddaughter's birthday at the park on Saturday when he was approached by several parents and their children, KXAS-TV (NBC5) reported.

"I take the picture, hand them the candy cane, and tell them have a great day at the park," said Henderson said. "All I do is put my arm around them and the picture is taken."

But Six Flags wasn't having it, and Henderson said he was approached by park security who told him he looked too much like Santa.

In a statement provided to NBC5, Six Flags spokeswoman Sharon Parker said Henderson was asked to leave after refusing to change.

"We apologize that Mr. Henderson was inconvenienced, but the safety of our guests is always our highest priority," the statement said. "We cannot knowingly allow individuals who are not approved by the park to interact with small children in this capacity. Mr. Henderson was handing out candy to our younger guests and was dressed up as Santa which is in violation of our No Costume policy."

Six Flags Over Texas has its own Santa who can be found in his SantaLand workshop as part of the Holiday in the Park experience.

Henderson, a season pass holder at the park, said he won't be going back.

Henderson is a year-round Santa and has been since 1997. He says the look isn't a costume, he just enjoys making kids smile, KTVT-TV (Channel 11)reported.

He said he offered to take off the hat and stop giving away candy, but was told he had to go home and shave off his beard.